>> TONY ALLEN & ADRIAN YOUNGE – Jazz Is Dead 18: Tony Allen LP (Jazz Is Dead)
The 18th release in the Jazz is Dead series focuses on some increbile sessions featuring the late, legendary Afrobeat drummer TONY ALLEN. The unmistakable patterns of ALLEN’s drumming had been used quite well working with techno pioneer JEFF MILLS, but these sessions are far less electronic, emphasizing the lush, big-band brass and polyrhythmic funk of FELA KUTI and AFRICA 70. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Originally released in 1970 in a pressing of just 250 copies that were distributed to CBC radio, this debut album by Beverly Glenn-Copeland (then Beverly Copeland) is finally available again. With some similarities to fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell & other folkies like Odetta & Buffy Sainte-Marie, Copeland’s debut is remarkably strong & still sounds unique & interesting so many years later. RECOMMENDED!
>> PJ HARVEY – I Inside The Old Year Dying LP/CD (Partisan)
Tenth studio album for Peej (and first in seven years) reunites her with long-time collaborators JOHN PARISH and FLOOD for a moody, immersive record with prickly folk arrangments, lush field recordings, meandering melodies and lyrics filled with obscure dialects and turns of phrase. The result is a quintessentially “English” album, moored in narrative concept the same way as RICHARD DAWSON but with the sonic sensibilites of JOSEPHINE FOSTER and a Byron/Keats-esque sense of poetry. RECOMMENDED!
>> LIFEGUARD – Crowd Can Talk/ Dressed in Trenches 12″/CD (Matador) *Standard version or in-store exclusive Black & White alternate cover available ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
We’re incredibly stoked for the Matador debut of local heatseekers LIFEGUARD, combining 2022’s EP Crowd Can Talk with 5 new cuts on the B side titled Dressed in Trenches. Shades of DINOSAUR JR., PAVEMENT, a bit of JAY REATARD. Be wise and keep your eyes peeled for more. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
AESPA – My World CD (Warner) *Five versions available with exclusive trading cards while supplies last
AFRICAN HEAD CHARGE – A Trip to Bolgatanga LP (On-U Sound) *Ltd. Edition Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl
ANOHNI & THE JOHNSONS – My Back Was a Bridge For You to Cross LP (Secretly Canadian) *Black or Ltd. White Vinyl
ALEJANDRO JODOROWSKY – El Topo (Soundtrack) LP (ABKCO) *180g, Remastered
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Petrodragonic Apocalypse… 2LP (KGLW) *Recycled Black or Indie Exclusive “Lucky Rainbow” Vinyl
B.B. KING – Blues King’s Best LP (Cleopatra) *Gold Vinyl
KITTIE – Spit LP (MNRK) *180g – Ltd. Silver Vinyl
LIL UZI VERT – Pink Tape CD (Atlantic) *Indie exclusive with trading card while supplies last
LITTLE DRAGON – Slugs of Love LP/CD (Ninja Tune) *Indie Exclusive Orange/Black/Blue Splatter Vinyl
LOCAL NATIVES – Time Will Wait For No One LP/CD (Loma Vista) *Indie Exclusive Yellow Vinyl
THE LONDON EXPERIMENTAL ENSEMBLE – Child Ballads: The Final Six LP (Don Giovanni) *Featuring RICHARD THOMPSON, JOHN WESLEY HARDING, SIVERT HØYEM, MARISSA NADLER, and GINA FERGIONE
>> LUNACY – Universal Pressure 12″ (Dedstrange)
LUSSURIA – Scarlet Locust of These Columns 2LP (Hospital)
DREW MCDOWALL – Lamina 6CD Box (Dais)
HANK MOBLEY – A Caddy for Daddy LP (Blue Note) *180g, Remastered – Tone Poet Series
MONTOYA – El Nido LP (ZZK)
>> MUTANT BEAT DANCE – No Comfort for Control 3LP (Nation) *Back in stock!✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
NEU – NEU! 75 LP (Gronland) *Reissue – Back in stock!
ODONIS ODONIS – Icon LP (Felte) *Red Vinyl
OVERKILL – I Hear Black LP (BMG) *Half Speed Remaster – Orange Marble Vinyl
>> ALEX G – Live From Union Transfer LP (Domino) *Indie Exclusive Tangerine Vinyl – Ltd. 3500, Hand #’d
Super duper limited live record from ALEX G off of his great album God Save The Animals. This one ain’t on streaming (or even on CD). Hand-numbered and limited to 3,500 copies worldwide. GET IT WHILE YOU CAN.
>> BLACK DUCK – Black Duck LP (Thrill Jockey) *Black or Ltd. Orange Vinyl ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
This self-titled release marks the debut for this Chicago supergroup trio, consisting of Doug McCombs (TORTOISE, ELEVENTH DREAM DAY, BROKEBACK, PULLMAN), Bill MacKay (collabs with RYLEY WALKER and NATHAN BOWLES among others) and Charles Rumback (also another WALKER collaborator as well as with a number of jazz groups). BLACK DUCK touches on jazz, country, blues and post-rock, emphasizing the trio’s tactile playing and intuitive sense of atmosphere. Like Bob Welch-era FLEETWOOD MAC channeled through the sonics of BARK PSYCHOSIS. On Thrill Jockey and RECOMMENDED!
>> SAM PREKOP & JOHN McENTIRE – Sons of 2LP (Thrill Jockey) *Black or Ltd. Seaglass Vinyl – Limited 2022 CD/CS release now available on LP! ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
First duo record between THE SEA & CAKE bandmates SAM PREKOP and JOHN McENTIRE presents four sprawling songs centered on modular synth experimentation. This is PREKOP’s most rhythmic solo release to date, but this is certainly not “dance music” per se – moreso a lush atmospheric collage. RECOMMENDED!
>> ARTHUR RUSSELL – Picture of Bunny Rabbit LP/CD (Audika)
It’s hard to believe that there’s still more Arthur Russell material out there to discover but this 2023 collection features 9 previously unreleased tracks. These songs were recorded around the same time as the now classic World of Echo & there are definitely some similarities. Delay & echo experiments with cello, voice, guitar & more that will definitely please fans of Russell’s work. RECOMMENDED.
>> HIROSHI YOSHIMURA – Green LP (Light In The Attic) *Reissue – Green Vinyl
Back in early 2017, we received a reissue of a wonderful early 80’s album by the Japanese musician HIROSHI YOSHIMURA called Music for Nine Postcards & we were entranced. Since then Yoshimura’s music has become more widely known outside of Japan & now the highly anticipated reissue of this excellent 1986 album Green is here. Made on classic Yahama synths of the era, this is a beautiful album of soothing instrumentals that owe as much to 80s new age as they do to TANGERINE DREAM film scores & 20th century minimalism like STEVE REICH. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
NICHOLAS ALLBROOK – Manganese LP (Spinning Top) *Orange Vinyl
DOROTHY ASHBY – With Strings Attached 6LP Box (New Land)
THE AVETT BROTHERS – Emotionalism 2LP (Ramseur) *Reissue, RSD Essential – Seaglass Blue Vinyl
AWAKEBUTSTILLINBED – What People Call Low Self-Esteem… LP (Tiny Engines) *2023 Repress – Ltd. Teal Vinyl
RICHARD BAND – Re-Animator (Soundtrack) LP (Waxwork) *Hand Poured Color Vinyl
THE BASEBALL PROJECT – Grand Salami Time! 2LP (Omnivore) *Featuring PETER BUCK, MIKE MILLS, SCOTT McCAUGHEY, LINDA PITMON, and STEVE WYNN
>>BDRMM – I Don’t Know LP (Rock Action) *Indie Exclusive White Marbled Vinyl
BENNY THE BUTCHER – Pyrex Picasso LP (Black Soprano Family) *Alternate cover – Ltd. 500, Hand #’d
THE BODY – I Shall Die Here/ Earth Triumphant 2LP (RVNG) *Reissue – Black or Ltd. White Vinyl
BODY OF LIGHT – Bitter Reflection LP/CD (Dais) *Ltd. Transparent Light Blue Vinyl
BOY ANONYMOUS – Paris Texas LP (Paris Texas)
>> CAPTAIN PLANET – Sounds Like Home 2LP (Bastard Jazz) *Indie Exclusive Blue Vinyl
>> GRIAN CHATTEN – Chaos for the Fly LP/CD (Partisan) *Black or Ltd. White Vinyl
SANFORD CLARK – They Call Me Country LP (Numero Group) *Blue Vinyl
STEWART COPELAND – Police Deranged for Orchestra LP (BMG) *Now available on Blue Vinyl
CHUCK JOHNSON – Music from Burden of Proof LP (All Saints) *Ltd. Silver Vinyl
RAGNAR JOHNSON & JESSICA MAYER – Spirit Cry Flutes & Bamboo Jews Harps from Papa New Guinea: Eastern Highlands & Madang 2LP/CD (Ideologic Organ)*Companion book A New Guinea Journey also available
JANIS JOPLIN & JORMA KAUKONEN – The Legendary Typewriter Tape LP (Omnivore) *Color Vinyl
KAROL G – Mañana Será Bonito 2LP (Universal) *Now available on vinyl
KESHA – Gag Order LP (RCA) *Now available on vinyl
KHANATE – To Be Cruel 2LP/CD (Sacred Bones) *Black or Ltd. White Vinyl
KHRUANGBIN & NUBYA GARCIA – Live at Radio City Music Hall LP (Dead Oceans)
>>KING GEEDORAH (aka MF DOOM) – Take Me to Your Leader 2LP (Big Dada) *Deluxe Edition w/ Anti-Matter 7″
>> JOHN CARROLL KIRBY – Blowout 2LP (Stones Throw)
A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS – Live at Levitation LP (Reverberation Appreciation Society) *Indie Exclusive Color Vinyl
PORTUGAL. THE MAN – Evil Friends LP (Atlantic) *Reissue
>> BRIGID MAE POWER – Dream from the Deep Well LP (Fire)
POWER TRIP – Live in Seattle 5/28/2018 LP/CD (Southern Lord) *Black, Transparent Green, Transparent Purple, or Cloudy Clear Vinyl – Nightmare Logic LP also back in stock at WP!
PUSCIFER – C is for… LP (BMG) *Opaque Gold Vinyl
PUSCIFER – V is for Vagina 2LP (BMG) *Reissue – Exclusive Ltd. Blue w/ Black Smoke Vinyl
>> THE REDS, PINKS & PURPLES – The Town That Cursed Your Name LP (Slumberland) *Blue Vinyl
SIX FINGER SATELLITE – The Pigeon is the Most Popular Bird 2LP (Sub Pop) *Remastered – Loser Edition Color Vinyl
SLY & THE FAMILY STONE – Fresh LP (Epic) *50th Anniversary, RSD Essential – Neon Orange Vinyl
>> SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE – Hypnic Jerks LP (Tiny Engines) *2023 Repress – Ltd. Pink Vinyl
SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE – Pleasure Suck LP (Tiny Engines) *2023 Repress – Ltd. Orange Vinyl
STEADY HANDS – Cheap Fiction LP (Lame-O) *Electric Blue Vinyl
>> JONNY BENAVIDEZ – My Echo, Shadow & Me LP (Timmion) *Black or Ltd. Pink Vinyl
This debut album from New York’s JONNY BENAVIDEZ makes good use of Timmion’s house backing band COLD DIAMOND & MINK, with hazy, nostalgic production on songs that recall classic doo-wop and early soul in the FLAMINGOS vein. RECOMMENDED!
>> GEESE – 3D Country LP (Partisan) *Black or Ltd. Clear Vinyl
This sophomore record from Brooklyn’s GEESE takes a more laid-back approach from their debut, toning down their angular post-punk hooks with jammy, summertime songs that seem to chase the sound of mid/late-70s ROLLING STONES. On Partisan & RECOMMENDED!
>> TIM HECKER – No Highs 2LP (Kranky)
Tim Hecker returns after a 4 year absence with No Highs for Kranky. Hecker is a master of deep frequencies & tones & on this one he uses acoustic instruments like Colin Stetson’s cyclical sax patterns, steel guitar, french horn & bass clarinet along with his laptop manipulations to create a rich realm. Ambient music is in a weird spot in 2023 & Hecker still comes out on top. RECOMMENDED!
>> JOHANNA SAMUELS – Bystander LP (Jealous Butcher) *Orange Vinyl
Tactile indie-folk from LA’s JOHANNA SAMUELS, who here partners with producer Josh Kaufman (who’s worked with CASSANDRA JENKINS and THE HOLD STEADY, as well as being in BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN) for a similar sound that is both textured and free-wheeling, with SAMUELS’ simple, evocative songwriting front and center. RECOMMENDED!
>> WYE OAK – Every Day Like The Last: Collected Singles 2019-2023 LP/CD (Merge) *”Peak Vinyl Edition” Ltd. Swirl Vinyl
The latest collection from long-running indie band WYE OAK compiles digital singles from the past four years as well as a trio of new songs, all showcasing a more folk-driven approach to the gauzy, thorny rock the duo has perfected over the last 15 years. Good stuff! RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
HANNAH ALDRIDGE – Dream of America LP (Icons Create Evil Art)
RALPH ALESSI – It’s Always Now LP (ECM)
AHMED BEN ALI – Subhana LP (Habibi Funk)
AMERICAN AQUARIUM – Things Change LP (New West)
ATIVIN – Austere LP (Joyful Noise) *Color Vinyl
>> BEACH HOUSE – 7 LP (Sub Pop) *Back in stock!
6LACK (aka BLACK) – Since I Have a Lover 2LP (LVRN) *Pink Vinyl – Early 2023 album now available
GARY BURTON – New Quartet LP (ECM) *Reissue – ECM Luminescence Series
>> CABLE TIES – All Her Plans LP (Merge) *Black or “Peak Vinyl Edition” Ltd. Metallic Ice Queen Vinyl
THE CAT & BELLS CLUB – The Cat & Bells Club LP (Blank Forms)
DON CHERRY, DEWEY REDMAN, CHARLIE HADEN & ED BLACKWELL – Old & New Dreams LP (ECM) *Reissue – ECM Luminescence Series
CHROME – 3rd From the Sun LP (Cleopatra) *Reissue – Ltd. Red/Blue Starburst Vinyl
JOE HISAISHI – Castle in the Sky/ Howl’s Moving Castle/ Kiki’s Delivery Service/ My Neighbor Totoro/ Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind/ Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea/ Porco Rosso/ Princess Mononoke/ Spirited Away/ Tale of the Princess Kaguya/ The Wind Rises (Soundtracks) LPs (Studio Ghibli) *Japanese imports each sold separately – Color Vinyl w/ OBI**Selling out fast so call store to check for availability!**
BILLIE HOLIDAY – Songs for Distingue Lovers LP (Verve) *180g, Remastered – Acoustic Sounds Series
JOHN LEE HOOKER – Alone: Live at Hunter College 1976 2LP (BMG) *180g
THE JERKY BOYS – The Jerky Boys LP (Select)
KEHLANI – Cloud 19 12″ (Atlantic)
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Infest the Rats Nest: Red Rocks 2022 LP (We Are Busy Bodies) *Ltd. Glow-in-the-Dark Green Vinyl
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Live in Adelaide 2019 3LP (Fuzz Club) *180g – Color Vinyl
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Live in London 2019 3LP (Fuzz Club) *180g – Color Vinyl
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Murder of the Universe: Red Rocks 2022 LP (We Are Busy Bodies) *Ltd. White Sparkle Vinyl w/ puzzle
Awesome collab between UK jazz keyboardist GREG FOAT and legendary Italian ambient composer GIGI MASIN. Some third streamish spaciousness that reminds us of the FLOATING POINTS / PHAROAH SANDERS record from a few years ago, along with the rhythmic thrust of the self-titled RESAVOIR record. RECOMMENDED!
>>FRED AGAIN… & BRIAN ENO – Secret Life LP/CD (Text) *Early 2023 album now available
2023 collab (and hopefully the first of many) between red hot producer FRED AGAIN… and his mentor, the icon BRIAN ENO. Secret Life tends to lean more towards Eno’s classic ambient sound than the preferred rave/house sound of Fred again…’s solo LPs, with varied samples & ethereal vox that fans of BURIAL, JAMES BLAKE, and THE XX oughta vibe with heavy. Released on FOUR TET’s Text Records and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
>> DANNY PAUL GRODY – Arc of Day LP (Three Lobed)
Excellent, acoustic guitar-centered pastoral Americana from DANNY PAUL GRODY, evoking the music of Windham Hill artists like WILLIAM ACKERMAN and ALEX DE GRASSI as well as classic ambient in the vein of HAROLD BUDD and ENO. Lovely music! RECOMMENDED.
>> HEAVENLY – Le Jardin de Heavenly LP (Skep Wax) *Reissue w/ 7″ booklet
Essential reissue of HEAVENLY’s sophomore record which presages BELLE & SEBASTIAN’s twee, sentimental lilt while still keeping up a raucous power pop edge. A Sarah Records classic which comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
>>JABEE – Am I Good Enough 2LP (Clerestory AV)
You might not have heard JABEE’s name, but the MC is an underground legend. OKC’s not a place with a long history of great rap music, but Jabee’s prolific output means that he has a long reach. Here on this compilation of 4 EPs worth of excellent rhymes & beats, Jabee calls in assistance from Producers like HAVOC (Mobb Deep) & MCs like BLU & BOLDY JAMES… RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
GRACIE ABRAMS – Good Riddance 2LP (Interscope) *Deluxe Edition – Black or Ltd. Clear Vinyl
THE ALARM – Forwards LP (Twenty First Century) *White Vinyl
OH NO – Good Vibes, Bad Vibes LP/CD (Nature Sounds)
ONSLAUGHT – Power From Hell LP (HR Records) *Reissue – Ltd. Picture Disc
ALAN PARKER & ALAN HAWKSHA – Black Pearl LP (Music De Wolfe)
PELICANMAN – Planet Chernobyl LP (ORG) *New project from MIKE WATT & PETRA HADEN – Ltd. Blue Marbled Vinyl
PET SHOP BOYS – Smash: The Singles 1985-2020 LP/CD (Parlophone) *6LP Box or 3CD set w/ 2 Blu-rays
THE POISON ARROWS – Crime & Soda LP (Solid Brass) *Ltd. Blue Vinyl ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
PRODIGY (of MOBB DEEP) – Return of the Mac (Get On Down) *RSD 2022 Pressing – Back in stock!
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – In Times New Roman… 2LP/CD (Matador) *Black, Ltd. Green, Ltd. Red, Ltd. Silver, or Ltd. Translucent Blue Vinyl (Selling fast – call store for availability)
RAE SREMMURD – Sremm 4 Life LP (Interscope) *Early 2023 album now available on vinyl
RANSOM – Pain & Glory LP (TCF)
RANSOM & VDON – Chaos is My Ladder CD (Serious Soundz)
RZA – Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai (Soundtrack) LP (36 Chambers) *Back in stock!
SADHUGOLD – Golden Joe Vol. 2 LP (Nature Sounds)
EMELI SANDE & JOHN GRANT – Endless Coloured Ways: Songs of Nick Drake 7″ (Chrysalis)
SAY SHE SAY – Reeling 7″ (Karma Chief) *Green Vinyl
SILVER CAR CRASH – Shattered Shine LP (Crafted Sounds)
ALLEN STONE – Building Balance LP (ATO) *Ltd. Color Vinyl
ALLEN STONE – Radius 2LP (ATO) *Ltd. Coke Bottle Clear Vinyl
JANAKA STUCKY – Ascend Ascend 2LP (Neurot)
SUNSET RUBDOWN – Snake’s Got a Leg LP (Pronounced Kroog)
>> TELEFON TEL AVIV – Dreams Are Not Enough LP (Ghostly Int’l) *Back in stock!
CHRISSY ZEBBY TEMPO & NGOZI FAMILY – My Ancestors LP (Mississippi) *Reissue
38 SPESH – 7 Shots LP (TCF) *Neon Green or Neon Violet Vinyl
THRICE – The Artist in the Ambulance: Revisited LP (Many Hats Dist.) *Clear Vinyl – Ltd. 6000
UNWOUND – Challenge for a Civilized Society LP (Numero Group) *Reissue – Back in stock!
>> ARTHUR VEROCAI – Timeless: Arthur Verocai 2LP (Mochilla) *Back in stock!
>> BELL WITCH – Future’s Shadow Part 1: Clandestine Gate 2LP/CD (Profound Lore) *Ltd. Purple Vinyl
BELL WITCH returns with Future’s Shadow: Part 1 Clandestine Gate the first part of a proposed three album trilogy. The album starts off with a mellow organ passage that sounds like a funeral dirge.Guitars slowly fade in & the piece finally fully arrives at the 9 minute mark. If you thought Mirror Reaper was a slow burn wait until you throw this one on. All of the elements that we know & love about BELL WITCH are here, slow as molasses doom, epic patience & willingness to let the chords breathe & REVERENCE FOR THE DOOM. RECOMMENDED.
An exciting collaborative project between KATE NV and ANGEL DERADOORIAN, channeling the former’s forays into experimental pop and the latter’s penchant for ambient atmospherics. Angular, disarming, playfully abstract, and RECOMMENDED.
>> FEEBLE LITTLE HORSE – Girl With Fish LP/CD/CS (Saddle Creek) *Pink Vinyl or Indie Exclusive Grey Galaxy Vinyl
Following hot off the heels of Saddle Creek’s Hayday vinyl reissue, FEEBLE LITTLE HORSE’s sophomore record keeps up the gauzy, off-kilter approach found in self recording. Girl with Fish is filled with confident, dynamic songwriting that draws from shoegaze and noise pop, all with a playful attitude that pops up in turns of phrase and home studio tricks. For fans of: ALEX G, LIZ PHAIR, HORSEGIRL. RECOMMENDED!
>>JAYDA G – Guy LP (Ninja Tune) *Ltd. Eco-Mix Vinyl – Signed Edition available while supplies last
The latest record from London-based JAYDA G is a rich mixture of house, R&B and disco, with her own voice brought more to the forefront. A tribute to her father and his experiences as a black man in 20th century America, this should appeal to fans of YAYA BEY, PEGGY GOU and AVALON EMERSON. RECOMMENDED.
>> KING KRULE – Space Heavy LP/CD (Matador) *Black or Indie Exclusive Clear Vinyl
This fourth album for Archy Marshall as KING KRULE seems to catch him drifting over his signature hazy, swamped-up sound, breaking up the guitar distortion and general reverb with more, well, space. Marshall utilizes space perfectly here, creating uncluttered, rich atmospheres with synth pads and minimal band arrangements, bringing both his bittersweet melodies and wry lyricism to the forefront. The most mature release of his to date. Excellent stuff! RECOMMENDED!
>> JENNY LEWIS – Joy’All LP/CD/CS (Blue Note) *Black or Indie Exclusive Green Vinyl
JENNY LEWIS returns with her first album since 2019’s great On The Line. Recorded with producer DAVE COBB and a crack team of Nashville session musicians (plus special guest JON BRION), Joy’All is full of quirky, soulful country pop. that’ll hit the same pleasure center in your brain as classic FLEETWOOD MAC, DIANA ROSS, and even – stick with us here – JIMMY BUFFETT. On Blue Note and, as always with anything Jenny touches, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
>>MAG-AMPLITUDE – Wizards of Tomorrow LP (Zaius Tapes)
Zaius Tapes has dug up a really interesting nugget, this time a 1983 LP that was released in a pressing of just 100. Led by the blind guitarist Matt Muncil, MAG-AMPLITUDE’s sound sits somewhere between post-STOOGES proto-punk, outsider early noise like THE GODZ, lo-fi basement jams like WICKED LADY & some guitar playing that remind us of THE WIPERS’ Greg Sage. RECOMMENDED.
>> RUPA – Disco Jazz LP (Numero Group) *Reissue – Ltd. “Disco Rainbow” Color Vinyl
Is this disco? Well, maybe. Is this jazz? Dear god no. Numero graces us with a much needed reissue of this rare pop fusion record, one that evades categorization. The closest genres would be funk or boogie. Either way this record makes you move. K I L L E R grooves with traditional Indian instrumentation, and sultry Bengali vocals. What more do I need to say? C’mon, it’s disco-jazz. It’s DISCO JAZZ. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
>> SQUID – O Monolith LP/CD (Warp) *Black or Ltd. Blue Vinyl
No sophomore slump for Bristol’s SQUID, who build upon their motorik anglo-kraut-pop debut with more daring approaches to studio production that embrace electro- acoustic fusion in the BECK vein as well as robust prog passages that remind us of contemporaries BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD. This outward expansion of sound is tied together on O Monolith with a stronger focus on melody, providing structure to the rhythmic exercises and production forays found all over. On Warp and VERY RECOMMENDED.
>> TEARS FOR FEARS – The Hurting LP (Mercury) *2023 Reissue – Half-Speed Master
TEARS FOR FEARS’ incredible debut album from 1983 has long been overshadowed by its follow-up Songs from the Big Chair. Back in 2002 a cover of “Mad World” from The Hurting was featured on the Donnie Darko soundtrack & it became a bit of a hit. Slowly people began to realize it was a cover & The Hurting started to come back to life. This album is incredibly mature for a debut, and though some of the songs might seem a bit dramatic & even ’emo’ today, their blend of electronics & traditional rock instrumentation still sounds incredibly fresh in 2023. This album is much darker than Songs From the Big Chair and it kind of sounds like a mix of early CURE, DEPECHE MODE, OMD & ULTRAVOX. Do yourself a favor & check out this album if you don’t know it already – it’s a true classic. 2023 half-speed remaster made at Abbey Road! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
ALCEST – Les Voyages de L’ame LP (Prophecy) *Ltd. Picture Disc
ALL TIME LOW – Nothing Personal LP (Hopeless) *Reissue – Ltd. Color Vinyl
>> ANIMAL COLLECTIVE – Spirit They’re Gone, Spirit They’ve Vanished 3LP (Domino) *Remastered – Now available on Ltd. Blue Vinyl (as well as Black Vinyl & Ltd. Green Vinyl)
ALBERT AYLER – In Greenwich Village LP (Superior Viaduct) *2023 Reissue
COLD CAVE – Cherish The Light Years/ Cremations/ Fate in Seven Lessons/ Full Cold Moon/ Love Comes Close LPs (Heartworm) *2023 Reissues sold separately – Various Ltd. Color Vinyl
ALICE COOPER – School’s Out 3LP (Rhino) *50th Anniversary – Remastered Deluxe Edition
>> EXPLODING HEARTS – Guitar Romantic LP (Third Man) *Now available on Black Vinyl (Ltd. Clear w/ Pink & Yellow Vinyl still available while supplies last)
>> HOLY CIRCLE – Don’t Disturb My Waking Dream LP (Deathbomb Arc)
THE CRANBERRIES – No Need to Argue 2LP (Island) *Deluxe Edition, Remastered w/ bonus trks – Back in stock!
>> BULLY – Lucky For You LP/CD/CS (Sub Pop) *Loser Edition Color Vinyl – Limited number of signed prints available with purchase while supplies last!
After a quick stint in THE MOUNTAIN GOATS (producing and playing on the excellent Bleed Out), Alicia Bognanno comes roaring back with her 4th LP under the BULLY moniker. This time around the production is more polished and the genre more varied than strictly “grunge pop,” but the massive hooks, buzzsaw guitar, and Alicia’s raspy howl (one of the best voices in indie rock today) are still razor-sharp and raw as all hell. It hurts so good and it does Sub Pop proud. Highly RECOMMENDED!
>> KAREN DALTON – In My Own Time LP (Light In The Attic) *50th Anniversary – Ltd. Silver Vinyl
KAREN DALTON’s second album didn’t get the attention that it deserved when it was released in 1971 but over time it has come to be considered as a classic. You’d think her connections to others in the scene like BOB DYLAN, TIM HARDIN, and FRED NEIL would have cleared a path for Dalton’s success but a variety of obstacles including music biz politics & Dalton’s drug/alcohol abuse stalled any momentum she might have had. The album was reissued in 2010 and artists like NICK CAVE & JOANNA NEWSOM cite Dalton as an influence, and that & other excellent reissues helped her legend grow. In 2021 a documentary was released & now this beautiful deluxe 50th anniversary edition is here with remastered audio on silver vinyl with booklet & beautiful foil-stamped art. RECOMMENDED!
>>BOB DYLAN – Shadow Kingdom 2LP/CD (Columbia)
Originally released as a limited paid streaming performance during lockdown in 2021, Shadow Kingdom is now available in album form. The songs have a really loose feel, with acoustic guitars, accordion & zero percussion. The line-up features T BONE BURNETT, BIG THIEF’s Buck Meek, Don Was & Greg Leisz & the set list mostly features 60s songs with sometimes drastic reinterpretations, especially on “Tombstone Blues.” Dylan has been playing relentlessly the last few years & you can hear the almost effortless familiarity the group has with the songs & it makes for a very rewarding listen. RECOMMENDED.
>> FOO FIGHTERS – But Here We Are LP/CD/CS (RCA) *Black or Ltd. White Vinyl
One word that has long defined FOO FIGHTERS as a band is “resiliency.” Dave Grohl’s best songs are about sticking around, finding resolve, and learning to walk again when the will to fly just isn’t there. It’s an M.O. that’s left them perfectly equipped to face the tragic passing of their beloved drummer Taylor Hawkins head on. Sonically this record has a lot in common with 1999’s There is Nothing Left to Lose (their first LP with Taylor on drums) – surging power pop, shoegaze, extended instrumental passages, and lo-fi punk, with nods throughout to JAWBREAKER, SUGAR, HUM, and old FM radio faves of Taylor like QUEEN and RUSH. Essentially it’s a concept album about loss: Each song works through grief in ways that are raw, unflinching and devoid of cliche. It’s a special gift for us fans, the band’s legacy, and Taylor’s memory. RIP Hawk. RECOMMENDED.
>> POLIBIO MAYORGA & VARIOUS – Ecuatoriana: El Universo Paralelo de… LP/CD (Analog Africa) *w/ book
The latest entry in Analog Africa’s exploration into Latin American esoterica lands in Ecuador and on the figure of POLIBIO MAYORGA. Gravitating towards Quito’s radio station as a musician and utilizing space-age synth technology that had grown in popularity over the years prior, MAYORGA channeled Andean melodies and realist stories into a fusion that can be described as “tropical psychedelia”. This album collects his work as a performer, musician and songwriter, showcasing a central part of Ecuadorian popular music. RECOMMENDED!
>> PROTOMARTYR – Formal Growth in the Desert LP/CD (Domino) *Black or Indie Exclusive Blue Vinyl
Over five records and a decade-plus, Detroit’s own PROTOMARTYR has been a model for consistency. Album six is no exception, expanding their sonic palette to include icy gothic synth textures and guitar sheet noise to abstract (but not obscure) the band’s classic rhythmic jitters and earworm lead-lines. All these are tied together by Joe Casey’s apocalyptic sermon vocals which continue to deliver without landing on cliche sloganeering. One of the best bands working today. On Domino and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Adam McIlwee’s WICCA PHASE SPRINGS ETERNAL project has gained notoriety over the past few years for over 20 albums, mixtapes, and Soundcloud drops in the past decade (plus wrestler Darby Allin’s kickass entrance theme in AEW). This S/T record blends dusty house and trap beats with icy post-punk instrumentation and a big dose of pop-punk melodicism. There’s also a great leftfield goth-country duet with Reckless fave ZOLA JESUS. Cool stuff. RECOMMENDED!
>> VARIOUS – Yo! Boombox: Early Independent Hip-Hop 3LP/2CD (Soul Jazz) *Indie Exclusive LP w/ bonus 7″
Following a book by the same name, Soul Jazz releases a comp focusing on the advent of hip-hop and electro, tracing its origins through disco’s denouement and DJ culture as it emerged in the Bronx in the late 70s. Featuring classic cuts from GRANDMASTER FLASH and THE FUNKY FOUR PLUS ONE as well as a smattering of obscure singles from across the country. Essential stuff for any historian of American popular music. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
AVENGED SEVENFOLD – Life Is But A Dream 2LP/CD (Warner) *Ltd. Cobalt Blue Vinyl – Exclusive signed CDs available while supplies last! 1 per customer, no phone orders or holds
COUNT BASIE & HIS ORCHESTRA – The Transcription Recordings LP (Hindsight)
BEACH FOSSILS – Bunny LP/CD/CS (Bayonet) *Ltd. Powder Blue Vinyl
>> BJORK – Fossora 2LP (One Little Indian) *2023 Repress
BLACK SABBATH – Live Evil LP/CD (Warner) *Super Deluxe Box Set – 4LP or 4CD w/ books & poster
>> SAM BLASUCCI – Off My Stars LP (Innovative Leisure)
DONALD BYRD – Slow Drag LP (Blue Note) *180g, Remastered – Blue Note Tone Poet Series
CLUB NOUVEAU – The Collection LP (Virgin)
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – In the Arms of God 2LP (BMG) *Reissue
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – Live Volume 2LP (BMG) *Ltd. Red Vinyl
ROB CROW/ KRAMER – Split 7″ (Shimmy Disc)
DE LA SOUL – Stakes is High 2LP/CS (Chrysalis) *Reissue
BEN FOLDS – What Matters Most LP/CD (New West) *Ltd. Seaglass Vinyl – Exclusive signed copies available on LP & CD while supplies last! 1 per customer, no phone orders or holds
FUGAZI – Red Medicine LP (Dischord) *Now available on Red Vinyl
NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS – Council Skies LP/CD (Sour Mash) *LP w/ bonus 7″ – Single CD or 2CD Deluxe Edition available
THE GO! TEAM – Thunder, Lightning, Strike LP (Memphis Industries) *Reissue
GORILLAZ – Demon Days 2LP (Warner) *2018 Reissue – Back in stock!
BEN HARPER – Wide Open Light LP (Chrysalis)
>>J DILLA – Donuts 2LP (Stones Throw) *”Smile” Cover back in stock!
JACK JOHNSON – In Between Dub LP (Brushfire)
NORAH JONES – Little Broken Hearts LP/CD (Blue Note) *Reissue
KILLING JOKE – XXV Gathering: Let Us Prey 2LP (Cooking Vinyl) *Ltd. Color Vinyl
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Demos Vol. 3 & 4 2LP (Needlejuice) *”Deep Pond Scum” Edition – Ltd. Color Vinyl
BAR ITALIA – Tracey Denim CD (Matador) vinyl scheduled for later this year
This Matador debut from London’s BAR ITALIA evokes the 90s underground in its shoegaze-y moodiness, snarling guitar fuzz choruses and cut-and-paste sample work, all drenched in atmospheric reverb. Like hearing THE STONE ROSES in the murky shadows of SLOWDIVE. Superb stuff that comes RECOMMENDED.
BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD – Live at Bush Hall LP (Ninja Tune)
Recording over three nights in London in December of 2022, “Live at Bush Hall” presents as a soundtrack to a YouTube concert documentary but really functions as another entry into the (un)official BC,NR catalog. In the wake of Isaac Wood’s voluntary departure, singing has been taken up by committee, giving the experiments an invitingly twee atmosphere. Yet though this band is constantly shifting, BC,NR still retains the intrepid spirit of their previous albums, at once playful and imposing. On Ninja Tune and RECOMMENDED.
THE CHASM – Scars of a Lost Reflective Shadow LP (Dark Descent)
2023 album by THE CHASM, a death metal duo from Mexico that started way back in 1992! One thing we can promise you is that this record has ALL THE RIFFS. Seriously there are so many great ideas & riffs on here, they just never let up. Top-notch classic sounding death metal with really crisp production. Should make many best of 23 lists for sure. RECOMMENDED.
CHRIS CONNELLY – Phenobarb Bambalam LP/CD (Wax Trax!) black, limited silver or 2LP deluxe vinyl
Chris Connelly’s sophomore album from 1992 has been remastered & reissued courtesy of Wax Trax! A powerful collection of songs that straddle death rock, Bowie’s darker side, post-industrial nastiness & angular KILLING JOKE style rockers. The 2LP edition features b-sides & live recordings from the era. YEAH!
EXPLODING HEARTS – Guitar Romantic: Expanded & Remastered LP (Third Man) limited color of VERY limited “exploded heart” color vinyl which is limited to 1 per customer, no phone orders or holds.
The legendary 2003 album by Portland’s THE EXPLODING HEARTS has been expanded & remastered by Third Man for its 20 year anniversary. There are so many great songs on this with nods to 70s power pop, 80s punk ala BUZZCOCKS, UNDERTONES & THE CLASH while simultaneously sounding like nothing else in 2003. RECOMMENDED.
THE FUCKING CHAMPS – III (reissue) LP (Drag City)
Originally released in 1997 under the name C4AM95 aka CHAMPS. They changed their name to FUCKING CHAMPS in 2000 for their Drag City debut so it’s no surprise that this reissue is now available via Drag City now under the FUCKING CHAMPS name. This record blew a lot of people’s minds back then with its combination of DON CAB esque math rock mixed with power metal “guitarmamonies” & playful arrangements. We’re very happy to be able to carry this one again & we hope D.C. plans reissues of their other great albums. RECOMMENDED.
HANNAH JADAGU – Aperture LP/CD/TAPE (Sub Pop) First pressing Loser Edition color vinyl
“Aperture” is the debut album by the young songwriter Hannah Jadagu currently based in NYC. Jadagu’s songs have a sort of effortless quality to them with bedroom pop style songs with bright & crisp recordings. Think Hazel English, Chicago’s LALA LALA, early Captured Tracks bands etc…Great stuff.
GIA MARGARET – Romantic Piano LP/TAPE (Jagjaguwar)
After releasing her debut album Chicago’s Gia Margaret lost her voice due to illness. While she recovered she turned to making instrumental music & released the stunning ambient album “Mia Gargaret.” Now she’s back with her 2nd (mostly) instrumental album & her first for Jagjaguwar. This is a lovely mix of minimalist chamber style piano pieces overlayed with field recordings & wonderful synth parts. There’s also a brief but fantastic guitar piece. The one vocal song “City Song” reminds us of BON IVER or MICROPHONES & It’s quite cinematic & beautiful. We’re all in. RECOMMENDED.
MIDWIFE & VYVA MELINKOLYA – Orbweaving LP/TAPE (The Flenser)
Reckless fave Madeline Johnston (MIDWIFE) & Angel Diaz (Vyva Melinkolya) have teamed up for this fantastic 2023 album. If you’re familiar with MIDWIFE then you’ll have a good idea what this sounds like, minimal slowcore/shoegaze with bits of half-speed drone & sludge. Think JESU, NADJA, JESUS & MARY CHAIN 45s on 33 etc…RECOMMENDED.
WATER FROM YOUR EYES – Everyone’s Crushed LP/CD (Matador)
In spite of the HEAVEN 17 invocation on the cover, the electro-pop on “Everyone’s Crushed” is anything but docile. Jagged guitar and electronic drum lines crash and clang, fitting together like shards of glass being reconstructed, all tied together by Rachel Brown’s dry disassociated vocal delivery. Fans of DRY CLEANING and PALM will find lots to love here. On Matador and VERY RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT RELEASES
AJJ – Disposable Everything LP/CD (Hopeless) indie only color or black
RAY BARRETTO – Que Viva La Musica LP (Craft)
BEACH HOUSE – Become LP/CD/TAPE (Sub Pop) RSD EP available on black vinyl
BIG STAR – #1 Record LP (Ardent) metallic gold/purple vinyl
THE BLACKWOOD APOLOGY – House of Leather LP (Sundazed) red vinyl, remastered
The last 2 weeks have been sort of lite on new releases so we combined them into one list. Along with these and a bunch of restocks we also received some RSD re-ups including the Nuggets box, the Grateful Dead box & some other stuff should be trickling in like more of the Miles Davis.
RECKLESS RECORDS 5/5/23 & 5/12/23
ASCENDED DEAD – Evenfall of the Apocalypse LP (20 Buck Spin)
ATMOSPHERE – So Many Other Realities Exist LP (Rhymesayer) LP/CD
BARONESS – Blue LP (Relapse) new color
BARONESS – Red LP (Relapse) new color
BARONESS – Yellow & Green LP (Relapse) new color
BETTER OBLIVION COMMUNITY CENTER – Better Oblivion Community Center LP (Dead Oceans) finally back in stock
CATTLE DECAPITATION – Terrasite LP (Metal Blade) color vinyl
CHAT PILE – Tenkiller (soundtrack) LP (Flenser) color vinyl
J. COLE – 2014 Forest Hills Drive LP (Roc Nation) finally back in print
RODNEY CROWELL – Chicago Sessions LP/CD (New West) Chicago exclusive signed LP!
DAFT PUNK – Random Access Memories: 10th Anniversary Edition 3LP/2CD (Sony)
DE LA SOUL – Buhloone Mindstate LP (Tommy Boy)
DRAIN – Living Proof LP/CD (Epitaph) indie only color or black
ALISON GOLDFRAPP – The Love Invention LP/CD (BMG)
HARRY PUSSY – You’ll Never Play in this Town Again LP (Palilalia)
ISLAND OF LOVE – Island of Love LP/CD (Third Man) ltd. indie only color vinyl at Wicker Park
JAWBREAKER – Dear You LP (Geffen) available again!
DURAND JONES – Wait Til I Get Over LP/CD (Dead Oceans) limited color or black
KID CONGO POWERS & THE NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE – Live in St. Kilda LP (In the Red)
DAVE LOMBARDO – Rites of Percussion LP/CD (Ipecac)
OLIVIA JEAN – Raving Ghost LP/CD (Third Man) limited color or black vinyl
LAMP OF MURMUUR – Burning Spears of Crimson Agony LP (Black Gangrene)
LAMP OF MURMUUR – Submission & Slavery LP (Black Gangrene)
MASTODON – Call of the Mastodon LP (Relapse) new color
MASTODON – Leviathan LP (Relapse) new color
LEMON TWIGS – Everything in Harmony LP (Captured Tracks) color or black vinyl
KACEY MUSGRAVES – Golden Hour: Cloud Nine Edition LP (MCA) color vinyl
THE 1975 – Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships LP (Interscope) first time we’ve had this in a few years
BILL ORCUTT – Jump on It LP (Palilalia)
JOJI – Smithereens LP (Warner)
SMASHING PUMPKINS – Atum 4LP/3CD (Thirty Tigers)
SONIC YOUTH – Daydream Nation LP (Goofin) back in stock
SQURL – Silver Haze LP (Sacred Bones)
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 LP/CD (Hollywood)
YOUNG THE GIANT – American Bollywood LP/CD (Jungle Youth) limited color or black vinyl
TOM ZE – Massive Hits: The Best of Tom Ze LP (Luaka Bop)
here’s the list of what we’ll have for RSD. we have a good amount of Taylor, not many copies of 1975 on any format (these were very limited) and some things didn’t make it in time like the Sam Smith 7″, MF Doom 7″ etc… Not every location has everything so we did our best to try and mention that when applicable. If you don’t see something on here we don’t have it. Some things can still be ordered so if you don’t see something on here you were hoping to get, let us know. We hope that you can find what you’re looking for. Good luck
LPS
The 1975 – Live With The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The pre-order for the NF signing is now closed. You can still come to the store & buy a CD or LP before the event starts. Once the event has started we can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to get something signed.
